Abstract
We have reviewed the notes and radiographs of 57 patients with fractures of the proximal humeral epiphysis and examined 30 of them at 2 to 8 years after injury. Regardless of treatment the maximum shortening of the humerus was 2 cm and residual varus angulation was insignificant. Manipulation of a displaced, fresh fracture did not improve the final outcome with respect to humeral growth or function; and open reduction is very rarely indicated.